MPs approve HS2

Government legislation to build a controversial high speed railway line linking London to the north of England cleared the House of Commons tonight.

MPs voted by 350 to 34 to approve the High Speed Rail (Preparation) Bill, which will allow the Government to spend money planning the route in detail and buying up property from residents and businesses along the proposed track.

There had been fears Labour could oppose the Bill. With a number of Tory MPs expected to be amongst those voting against the High Speed 2 rail line, there were fears the project could have been halted.

But the Bill passed after being overwhelmingly approved by MPs. It will now go to the House of Lords for further scrutiny by peers.